Saint Saturnin lès Apt – A True Hidden Gem of Provence
Provence has a long list of well-visited hill top villages —Gordes, Bonnieux, Menerbes, Lacoste to name a few. There are, however, a handful of lesser known villages that have all charm and authenticity yet have a serenity the others left at the tourism wayside decades ago. Saint Saturnin les Apt is one, only minutes drive from some of Provence’s top sites, remains a true hidden gems of the region—quiet, colorful and armed with all the necessities visitors need as they explore this magical area of France.
The Views & Sounds of Saint Saturnin
As you approach the village you immediately notice the stunning ruins of a castle presiding majestically over the village and valley below. Make your way up to the remains of the castle, dating back to the 11 century on a medieval foot path dotted with wild flowers. Once at the top you can’t help but gasp at the beaut a fantastic place to discover Saint Saturnin. Make your way down, through the ancient cobble stone streets, through arched alleyways with small hidden wooden doors. There is something about “ Saint Sat,” as the locals call it, that transports you back in time more easily than some of the more touristy villages with their more constant cacophony of street sounds. In Saint Sat, you can still hear trickling foundations and the wind whistling through the tall grasses and alongside fainter sounds of daily life.
Where to eat in Saint Saturnin
There are two very good restaurants listed below plus 2-3 more casual restaurants for pizzeria, salad and grillades.
L’Estrade: Typically local cuisine with ample vegetarian options.
6 Avenue Victor Hugo, 84490 Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt, Apt France. 33 4 90 71 15 75
Amazing local favorite with views of the Luberon. They have a wonderful fresh spin on local produce. and a great wine list.
Wineries Near Saint Saturnin les Apt
Most wineries are closed on Sundays and during lunch hours.
Aureto in Gargas
Chateau de Milles in Bonnieux
Domaine la citadelle in Menerbes
Where to Stay Near Saint Saturnin
Domaine des Andeols: 5 star experience with Spa and restaurant. 8 Nature Suites and 11 independent Villas.
Luxury Villa Rentals in Provence, France
As the luxury property rental market has exploded worldwide, renting a luxury villa in Saint Saturnin has become the preferred choice for accommodations in Provence. Only Provence has the largest selection of luxury properties in the region.
Benefits of Luxury Villa Rentals near Saint Saturnin les Apt
One of the many benefits of renting a luxury villa near Saint Saturnin or its surrounding villages is having a genuinely private yet authentic experience in Provence, complete with in-home chef services. Some of Only Provence’s villas are within the village itself.
Below are some of the few great benefits of a luxury villa over other traditional accommodation options.
- Personalized experiences such as private chefs and organized tours and activities;
- Privacy and exclusivity;
- A dedicated villa manager and staff;
- A sense of feeling at home while staying in a private luxury villa;
- Private luxury villas are ideal for groups of families or friends traveling together.
Where is Saint Saturnin les Apt and How to Get There
Saint Saturnin les Apt is situated in the Vaucluse department and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It is located only 15 minutes from the very popular towns of Gordes or Roussillon.
We recommend renting a car to explore this exceptional village and its region, as it is not easily accessible by public transport. The main international airport, used by most European carriers, is Marseille (MRS), 88km from Saint Saturnin, roughly 1.5 hours. If coming by TGV train (fastest), the closest option is to travel to Avignon TGV Station and drive to the village (1 hour). Below are the train times to the Avignon train station.
- 2 hours 40 minutes from Paris
- 3 hours from Roissy Charles de Gaulle
- 1 hour from Lyon, and
- 30 minutes from Marseille
